The detrimental effects of organophosphates (OPs) on human health are thought to be of systemic, i.e., irreversible inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) at nerve synapses. However, several studies have shown that AChE inhibition alone cannot explain all the toxicological manifestations in prolonged exposure to OPs. The present study aimed to assess the status of antioxidants malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) (reduced), catalase, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) in chronic OP-exposed groups from Cameroon and Pakistan. Molecular analysis of genetic polymorphisms (SNPs) of glutathione transferases (GSTM1, GSTP1, GSTT1), catalase gene (CAT, rs7943316), sirtuin 1 gene (SIRT1, rs10823108), acetylcholinesterase gene (ACHE, rs2571598), and butyrylcholinesterase gene (BCHE, rs3495) were screened in the OP-exposed individuals to find the possible causative association with oxidative stress and toxicity. Cholinesterase and antioxidant activities were measured by colorimetric methods using a spectrophotometer. Salting-out method was employed for DNA extraction from blood followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) for molecular analysis. Cholinergic enzymes were significantly decreased in OP-exposed groups. Catalase and SOD were decreased and MDA and FRAP were increased in OP-exposed groups compared to unexposed groups in both groups. GSH was decreased only in Pakistani OPs-exposed group. Molecular analysis of ACHE, BCHE, Catalase, GSTP1, and GSTM1 SNPs revealed a tentative association with their phenotypic expression that is level of antioxidant and cholinergic enzymes. The study concludes that chronic OPs exposure induces oxidative stress which is associated with the related SNP polymorphism. The toxicogenetics of understudied SNPs were examined for the first time to our understanding. The findings may lead to a newer area of investigation on OPs induced health issues and toxicogenetics.

• MeSH
• Acetylcholinesterase genetics   MeSH
• Butyrylcholinesterase genetics   MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Glutathione S-Transferase pi genetics   MeSH
• Glutathione MeSH
• Glutathione Transferase genetics   MeSH
• GPI-Linked Proteins genetics   MeSH
• Gene-Environment Interaction * MeSH
• Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide * MeSH
• Catalase genetics   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Malondialdehyde MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Organophosphorus Compounds adverse effects   MeSH
• Oxidative Stress genetics   MeSH
• Sirtuin 1 genetics   MeSH
• Environmental Exposure adverse effects   analysis   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Geographicals
• Cameroon MeSH
• Pakistan MeSH

Retinal degenerative disorders are characterized by a local upregulation of inflammatory factors, infiltration with cells of the immune system, a vascular dysfunction and by the damage of retinal cells. There is still a lack of treatment protocols for these diseases. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapy using immunoregulatory, regenerative and differentiating properties of MSCs offers a promising treatment option. In this study, we analyzed the immunomodulatory properties of mouse bone marrow-derived MSCs after their intravitreal delivery to the inflammatory environment in the eye, caused by the application of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, TNF-α and IFN-γ. The intravitreal administration of these cytokines induces an increased expression of pro-inflammatory molecules such as IL-1α, IL-6, inducible nitric oxide synthase, TNF-α and vascular endothelial growth factor in the retina. However, a significant decrease in the expression of genes for all these pro-inflammatory molecules was observed after the intravitreal injection of MSCs. We further showed that an increased infiltration of the retina with immune cells, mainly with macrophages, which was observed after pro-inflammatory cytokine application, was significantly reduced after the intravitreal application of MSCs. The similar immunosuppressive effects of MSCs were also demonstrated in vitro in cultures of cytokine-stimulated retinal explants and MSCs. Overall, the results show that intravitreal application of MSCs inhibits the early retinal inflammation caused by pro-inflammatory cytokines, and propose MSCs as a promising candidate for stem cell-based therapy of retinal degenerative diseases.

• MeSH
• Antiviral Agents pharmacology   MeSH
• Cytokines metabolism   MeSH
• Immunomodulation drug effects   immunology   MeSH
• Interferon-gamma pharmacology   MeSH
• Interleukin-1beta pharmacology   MeSH
• Inflammation Mediators pharmacology   MeSH
• Mesenchymal Stem Cells cytology   metabolism   MeSH
• Mice, Inbred C57BL MeSH
• Mice MeSH
• Nitric Oxide metabolism   MeSH
• Retina cytology   drug effects   immunology   metabolism   MeSH
• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha pharmacology   MeSH
• Inflammation immunology   metabolism   pathology   prevention & control   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Mice MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH

In this study, sources of recharge and contamination in urban groundwater and in groundwater underneath a forest in the same aquifer were determined and compared. Data on hydro-chemical parameters and stable isotopes of water were collected in urban and forest springs in the Kharkiv region, Ukraine, over a period of 12 months. Groundwater transit time and precipitation contribution were calculated using hydrogeological data and stable isotopes of water to delineate groundwater recharge conditions. Hydro-chemical data, stable isotopes and emerging contaminants were used to trace anthropogenic groundwater recharge and approximate sewage and tap water contributions to the aquifer. The results indicated that each spring had unique isotopic signatures that could be explained by recharge conditions, groundwater residence time, and specific mixing patterns with sewage and water leaks. Elevated nitrate content, stable isotopes of nitrate, and the presence of emerging pollutants (mainly illicit drugs) in most of the urban springs confirmed mixing of urban groundwater with sewage leaks. These leaks amounted to up to 25% of total recharge and exhibited seasonal variations in some springs. Overall, the results show that urban groundwater receives variable seasonal contributions of anthropogenic components that increase the risk to the environment and human health, and reduce its usability for drinking water production. The multi-tracing approach presented can be useful for other cities worldwide that have similar problems of poor water management and inadequate sewage and water supply infrastructure.

• MeSH
• Water Pollutants, Chemical * MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Environmental Monitoring MeSH
• Groundwater * MeSH
• Cities MeSH
• Water Resources MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Geographicals
• Cities MeSH

Two Gram-stain-positive, coagulase-negative staphylococcal strains were isolated from abiotic sources comprising stone fragments and sandy soil in James Ross Island, Antarctica. Here, we describe properties of a novel species of the genus Staphylococcus that has a 16S rRNA gene sequence nearly identical to that of Staphylococcus saprophyticus However, compared to S. saprophyticus and the next closest relatives, the new species demonstrates considerable phylogenetic distance at the whole-genome level, with an average nucleotide identity of <85% and inferred DNA-DNA hybridization of <30%. It forms a separate branch in the S. saprophyticus phylogenetic clade as confirmed by multilocus sequence analysis of six housekeeping genes, rpoB, hsp60, tuf, dnaJ, gap, and sod Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and key biochemical characteristics allowed these bacteria to be distinguished from their nearest phylogenetic neighbors. In contrast to S. saprophyticus subsp. saprophyticus, the novel strains are pyrrolidonyl arylamidase and β-glucuronidase positive and β-galactosidase negative, nitrate is reduced, and acid produced aerobically from d-mannose. Whole-genome sequencing of the 2.69-Mb large chromosome revealed the presence of a number of mobile genetic elements, including the 27-kb pseudo-staphylococcus cassette chromosome mec of strain P5085T (ψSCCmecP5085), harboring the mecC gene, two composite phage-inducible chromosomal islands probably essential to adaptation to extreme environments, and one complete and one defective prophage. Both strains are resistant to penicillin G, ampicillin, ceftazidime, methicillin, cefoxitin, and fosfomycin. We hypothesize that antibiotic resistance might represent an evolutionary advantage against beta-lactam producers, which are common in a polar environment. Based on these results, a novel species of the genus Staphylococcus is described and named Staphylococcus edaphicus sp. nov. The type strain is P5085T (= CCM 8730T = DSM 104441T).IMPORTANCE The description of Staphylococcus edaphicus sp. nov. enables the comparison of multidrug-resistant staphylococci from human and veterinary sources evolved in the globalized world to their geographically distant relative from the extreme Antarctic environment. Although this new species was not exposed to the pressure of antibiotic treatment in human or veterinary practice, mobile genetic elements carrying antimicrobial resistance genes were found in the genome. The genomic characteristics presented here elucidate the evolutionary relationships in the Staphylococcus genus with a special focus on antimicrobial resistance, pathogenicity, and survival traits. Genes encoded on mobile genetic elements were arranged in unique combinations but retained conserved locations for the integration of mobile genetic elements. These findings point to enormous plasticity of the staphylococcal pangenome, shaped by horizontal gene transfer. Thus, S. edaphicus can act not only as a reservoir of antibiotic resistance in a natural environment but also as a mediator for the spread and evolution of resistance genes.

• MeSH
• Genes, Bacterial physiology   MeSH
• Adaptation, Biological genetics   MeSH
• Extreme Cold * MeSH
• Extreme Environments * MeSH
• Genomic Islands physiology   MeSH
• Staphylococcus classification   genetics   physiology   MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Geographicals
• Antarctic Regions MeSH

Cyanobacterial blooms represent a serious threat to the aquatic environment. Among other effects, biochemical markers have been studied in aquatic vertebrates after exposures to toxic cyanobacteria. Some parameters such as protein phosphatases may serve as selective markers of exposure to microcystins, but under natural conditions, fish are exposed to complex mixtures, which affect the overall biomarker response. This review aims to provide a critical summary of biomarker responses in aquatic vertebrates (mostly fish) to toxic cyanobacteria with a special focus on detoxification and oxidative stress. Detoxification biomarkers such as glutathione (GSH) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) showed very high variability with poor general trends. Often, stimulations and/or inhibitions and/or no effects at GSH or GST have been reported, even within a single study, depending on many variables, including time, dose, tissue, species, etc. Most of the oxidative stress biomarkers (e.g., superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase) provided more consistent responses, but only lipid peroxidation (LPO) seemed to fulfill the criteria needed for biomarkers, i.e., a sufficiently long half-life and systematic response. Indeed, reviewed papers demonstrated that toxic cyanobacteria systematically elevate levels of LPO, which indicates the important role of oxidative damage in cyanobacterial toxicity. In summary, the measurement of biochemical changes under laboratory conditions may provide information on the mode of toxic action. However, comparison of different studies is very difficult, and the practical use of detoxification or oxidative stress biomarkers as diagnostic tools or early warnings of cyanobacterial toxicity is questionable.

• MeSH
• Biomarkers analysis   MeSH
• Biomass MeSH
• Glutathione analysis   MeSH
• Glutathione Transferase analysis   MeSH
• Microcystins adverse effects   MeSH
• Oxidative Stress drug effects   MeSH
• Lipid Peroxidation drug effects   MeSH
• Fishes metabolism   MeSH
• Cyanobacteria metabolism   MeSH
• Harmful Algal Bloom MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Review MeSH

Cadmium, as a hazardous pollutant commonly present in the living environment, represents an important risk to human health due to its undesirable effects (oxidative stress, changes in activities of many enzymes, interactions with biomolecules including DNA and RNA) and consequent potential risk, making its detection very important. New and unique technological and biotechnological approaches for solving this problems are intensely sought. In this study, we used the commonly occurring potential pathogenic microorganism Staphylococcus aureus for the determination of markers which could be used for sensing of cadmium(II) ions. We were focused on monitoring the effects of different cadmium(II) ion concentrations (0, 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 15, 25 and 50 μg mL(-1)) on the growth and energetic metabolism of Staphylococcus aureus. Highly significant changes have been detected in the metabolism of thiol compounds-specifically the protein metallothionein (0.79-26.82 mmol/mg of protein), the enzyme glutathione S-transferase (190-5,827 μmol/min/mg of protein), and sulfhydryl groups (9.6-274.3 μmol cysteine/mg of protein). The ratio of reduced and oxidized glutathione indicated marked oxidative stress. In addition, dramatic changes in urease activity, which is connected with resistance of bacteria, were determined. Further, the effects of cadmium(II) ions on the metabolic pathways of arginine, β-glucosidase, phosphatase, N-acetyl β-d-glucosamine, sucrose, trehalose, mannitol, maltose, lactose, fructose and total proteins were demonstrated. A metabolomic profile of Staphylococcus aureus under cadmium(II) ion treatment conditions was completed seeking data about the possibility of cadmium(II) ion accumulation in cells. The results demonstrate potential in the application of microorganisms as modern biosensor systems based on biological components.

• MeSH
• Biosensing Techniques methods   MeSH
• Disaccharides metabolism   MeSH
• Electrochemical Techniques MeSH
• Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases metabolism   MeSH
• Glutathione metabolism   MeSH
• Glutathione Disulfide metabolism   MeSH
• Glutathione Transferase metabolism   MeSH
• Hydrolases metabolism   MeSH
• Cadmium analysis   metabolism   pharmacology   MeSH
• Environmental Pollutants analysis   metabolism   pharmacology   MeSH
• Metabolism drug effects   MeSH
• Metallothionein metabolism   MeSH
• Monosaccharides metabolism   MeSH
• Cell Proliferation drug effects   MeSH
• Proteins metabolism   MeSH
• Staphylococcus aureus cytology   drug effects   metabolism   MeSH
• Sulfhydryl Compounds metabolism   MeSH
• Urease metabolism   MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH

Wild birds are continually exposed to many anthropogenic and natural stressors in their habitats. Over the last decades, mass mortalities of wild birds constitute a serious problem and may possibly have more causations such as natural toxins including cyanotoxins, parasitic diseases, industrial chemicals and other anthropogenic contaminants. This study brings new knowledge on the effects of controlled exposure to multiple stressors in birds. The aim was to test the hypothesis that influence of cyanobacterial biomass, lead and antigenic load may combine to enhance the effects on birds, including modulation of antioxidative and detoxification responses. Eight treatment groups of model species Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were exposed to various combinations of these stressors. The parameters of detoxification and oxidative stress were studied in liver and heart after 30 days of exposure. The antioxidative enzymatic defense in birds seems to be activated quite efficiently, which was documented by the elevated levels and activities of antioxidative and detoxification compounds and by the low incidence of damage to lipid membranes. The greatest modulations of glutathione level and activities of glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, catalase and lipid peroxidation were shown mostly in the groups with combined multiple exposures. The results indicate that the antioxidative system plays an important role in the protective response of the tissues to applied stressors and that its greater induction helps to protect the birds from more serious damage. Most significant changes of these "defense" parameters in case of multiple stressors suggest activation of this universal mechanism in situation with complex exposure and its crucial role in protection of the bird health in the environment.

• MeSH
• Bacterial Toxins pharmacology   MeSH
• Biomarkers analysis   MeSH
• Coturnix metabolism   virology   MeSH
• Glutathione metabolism   MeSH
• Glutathione Peroxidase metabolism   MeSH
• Glutathione Reductase metabolism   MeSH
• Glutathione Transferase metabolism   MeSH
• Liver drug effects   metabolism   MeSH
• Catalase metabolism   MeSH
• Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances metabolism   MeSH
• Microcystins pharmacology   MeSH
• Marine Toxins pharmacology   MeSH
• Newcastle Disease physiopathology   MeSH
• Lead pharmacology   MeSH
• Oxidative Stress MeSH
• Lipid Peroxidation MeSH
• Cyanobacteria chemistry   pathogenicity   MeSH
• Heart drug effects   MeSH
• Superoxide Dismutase metabolism   MeSH
• Newcastle disease virus pathogenicity   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Male MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH

We analyze options to reduce the future environmental impact of dairy cattle production, using an optimization model (DAIRY) applied to the Czech Republic. The DAIRY model can be used to calculate the overall environmental impact (OEI). We show that aquatic eutrophication and global warming are the 2 most important problems caused by dairy cattle. These problems are largely caused by nitrate leaching and emissions from animal housing. The DAIRY model indicates that the costs of reducing the OEI in 2020 by 20% are 12 MEuro. It is most cost effective to achieve this reduction by improving the efficiency of animal manure used as fertilizer. We tested the sensitivity of the model to assumptions about the following: 1) the relative importance of environmental problems as expressed in weighting factors, and 2) future cattle numbers and milk yield per milking cow. The first case indicates that disagreement on which problem is most urgent need not lead to disagreement about policies to be undertaken. Regardless of the weighting factors used, aquatic eutrophication and global warming are the most important problems. However, the overall costs of reducing the OEI differ with alternative sets of weighting factors, because the costs of emission reduction differ among pollutants. The second case shows that the DAIRY model results are more sensitive to changes in cattle numbers than to changes in milk yield. This study is the first integrated assessment of dairy cattle production for a Central European country and illustrates how systematic analyses may help to find optimal solutions.

• MeSH
• Cost-Benefit Analysis MeSH
• Housing, Animal MeSH
• Eutrophication MeSH
• Global Warming MeSH
• Linear Models MeSH
• Dairying * MeSH
• Milk MeSH
• Cattle MeSH
• Models, Theoretical * MeSH
• Conservation of Natural Resources economics   methods   MeSH
• Environment * MeSH
• Environmental Pollution prevention & control   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Cattle MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Geographicals
• Czech Republic MeSH

Recently, residual fungicides are generally recognized as relevant sources of aquatic environmental pollutants. However, the toxicological effects of these contaminants have not been adequately researched. In this study, the chronic effect of PCZ, a triazole-containing fungicide commonly present in aquatic environment, on GSH-related antioxidant system and oxidative stress indices of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were investigated. Fish were exposed at sub-lethal concentrations of PCZ (0.2, 50 and 500 microg/L) for 7, 20 and 30 days. GSH levels and GSH-related enzyme activities, including GPx, GR and GST, were quantified in three tissues-liver, gill and muscle. The levels of LPO and CP were also measured as makers of oxidative damage. In addition, the correlations of the measured parameters in various tissues were evaluated by using PCA. The results of this study indicate that chronic exposure of PCZ has resulted in different responses in various tissues and the gill was the most sensitive tissue; however, before these parameters are used as potential biomarkers for monitoring residual fungicides in aquatic environment, more detailed experiments in laboratory need to be performed in the future.

• MeSH
• Antioxidants metabolism   MeSH
• Water Pollutants, Chemical toxicity   MeSH
• Glutathione metabolism   MeSH
• Glutathione Peroxidase metabolism   MeSH
• Glutathione Reductase metabolism   MeSH
• Glutathione Transferase metabolism   MeSH
• Metabolic Detoxication, Phase II MeSH
• Liver metabolism   MeSH
• Oncorhynchus mykiss metabolism   MeSH
• Oxidative Stress drug effects   MeSH
• Lipid Peroxidation drug effects   MeSH
• Fungicides, Industrial toxicity   MeSH
• Muscles metabolism   MeSH
• Toxicity Tests, Chronic MeSH
• Triazoles toxicity   MeSH
• Gills metabolism   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH

Natural estrogens such as estrone, 17beta-estradiol, estriol, and the particularly recalcitrant synthetic estrogen 17alpha-ethinylestradiol used as oral contraceptive, accumulate in the environment and may give rise to health problems. The processes participating in their removal from soil, wastewater, water-sediments, groundwater-aquifer material, and wastewater or sewage treatment plant effluents may involve the action of bacterial and microbial consortia, and in some cases fungi and algae. This review discusses the different efficiencies of bacterial degradation of 17alpha-ethinylestradiol under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, the role of sulfate-, nitrate-, and iron-reducing conditions in anaerobic degradation, and the role of sorption. The participation of autotrophic ammonia oxidizing bacteria and heterotrophic bacteria in cometabolic degradation of estrogens, the estrogen-degrading action of ligninolytic fungi and their extracellular enzymes (lignin peroxidase, manganese-dependent peroxidase, versatile peroxidase, laccase), and of algae are discussed in detail.

• MeSH
• Bacteria metabolism   MeSH
• Biodegradation, Environmental MeSH
• Biotransformation MeSH
• Estrogens chemical synthesis   metabolism   MeSH
• Ethinyl Estradiol chemical synthesis   metabolism   MeSH
• Fungi metabolism   MeSH
• Environmental Pollutants metabolism   MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Review MeSH